Prime Minister elect Andrew Holness has given mandates that no government vehicle is to be sold to former ministers. In 2012, 20 motor vehicles were confirmed to have been purchased under the PNP government at a cost of nearly US$694,000 (approx JMD $60 Million in that year).

Holness provided the following updates on his facebook page: “No Sale of government vehicles to former ministers:

Yesterday I met with the Cabinet Secretary and the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister. We discussed the earliest route to inauguration and arranged a briefing on the important activities of the previous Government.

As part of our commitment not to be government as usual and to change how government works, I have indicated to the Cabinet Secretary, the Financial Secretary and the Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Prime Minister that I do not intend to continue the policy of selling government vehicles to the ministers who had use of them.

This will save the government the cost of replacing vehicles.” Since Holness’ announcement, Outgoing Minister of Youth and Culture Lisa Hanna has returned her vehicle assigned along with phone and diplomatic passports.

Junior Minister Julian Robinson also confirmed with the Jamaica Gleaner that “I don’t have an issue with that position,” said Robinson. “From Friday, I went into my office and told my staff goodbye.

I also met with the permanent secretary and indicated that I would return my vehicle, phone and passport [on Monday],”.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Arnold ‘A.J.’ Nicholson also confirmed with the Jamaica Gleaner that he has no problem with Holness’ deciision “I have handed in my passport and that of my wife.

I will be handing over the phone tomorrow, but I need to do some transfers and that is the only reason it was not handed in yet,”